The Goodness in Spices

I was startled to find musings on the blogosphere yesterday casting doubts on the benefits of spices. The goodness in the masalas used widely in Indian cooking is well-documented and the subject of regular research.

I ain’t no geek but I do take a close interest in what I consume. (Apart from exotic cocktails, chocolate biscuits and chorizo – i am a really sucker for Spanish cured meats).

The main masalas in Indian food are the dried powdered spices, the whole spices and the “wet” ingredients like onion, garlic and ginger. Fresh herbs like coriander, curry leaves and mint are also used widely.

As a starter for ten, here’s the lowdown or shall I say upside (I am so full of PR slang today) on the beneficial properties of some every day Indian masalas from published research:

1. Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease
2. Chillies: Release feel-good endorphins in the body as a reaction and – wait for this – boost the metabolism temporarily helping the body to burn fat
3. Cumin: Rich source of the natural painkiller salicylate
4. Curry leaf: Can lower cholestrol and help weight loss
5. Coriander: Aids digestion and helps fight against allergic reactions

Not to dwell on my favourite subject of Indian takeway food, but you’re unlikely to enjoy any of these wonderful properties given their unfettered use of colour, oil and artificial flavourings.

So, please cook Indian at home. And enjoy a curry’s natural goodness straight from the masala box into the pan!

7 Responses to “The Goodness in Spices”

1. Handy Tarife vergleichen Says:

   February 9th, 2014 at 11:53 am

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2. Angela Says:

   September 26th, 2011 at 8:40 pm

   Great writing & Wonderful a site….

3. jeevan bankar Says:

   June 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 pm

   i am a hotel managment student.i wantend to know abt masalas used in indian cookery.this is my project .pls help me

4. CRV Ganesh Says:

   June 2nd, 2008 at 5:57 am

   It would be better if we have scientific anaylysis of Indian-specific fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs – what Indian Medical Association is doing? Just to provide reactive actions, instead of proactive suggestions?? Let our Minister of Health Dr Anbumani shall initiate this.

5. Verlyn Ross Says:

   March 14th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

   Verlyn Ross owns and operates website dedicated specifically to health issues. This site includes a wealth of free articles in which you may have an interest. For a great place to get answers, go here!
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6. starsapphire Says:

   October 26th, 2006 at 6:13 am

   Just one more thing… I’ve always had constipation-related problems. Last Saturday after I cooked this Northern Indian Cashew Nut sauce that had spices and lots of onions, I went to the toilet perfectly. It was almost like a very good clean “detox”, àla naturale.

   Ok I know this isn’t exactly stuff one writes about publicly, but since we’re on the topics of the goodness of spice, I thought why not share this experience.

7. starsapphire Says:

   October 26th, 2006 at 6:06 am

   hi there. thanks for bringing out the wonderful goodness of spices. I certainly will be cooking more Indian for my family

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